Novak Djokovic long ago let go the disappointment he felt after losing the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz.
“It’s not the first [nor] the last match that I lost, so I was over it in a day,” Djokovic said ahead of the Western & Southern Open. “Obviously, I needed some really good rest after that, and some time with my family, and that’s what I did. So, of course, I was regretting not using the chances during that final.
“I was [a] set up and had some set points in the second and I felt that I was close to being in the lead. And then, obviously, some break points in the fifth. It was a close match, but well deserved from his side, because to win he played better in the important moments, and that’s what I said after the final. I think he was a deserved winner and that’s it really, pretty much. You move on.”
The 36-year-old was one win from claiming his third major title of the season. This year’s Australian Open and Roland Garros champion was well-positioned to make another push for the Grand Slam — winning all four majors in a year — but is happy to put that chase behind him and pursue new goals.
“I need to obviously move on and try to regroup and find motivation for what’s coming up, and all the challenges that are ahead of me, and that’s why I’m here,” Djokovic said. “Otherwise, if I’m not motivated, I wouldn’t be here. Now, after many years of professional tennis, I feel like I have a choice to play what I really want to play. And I really wanted to be here in Cincinnati, and of course, [the] US Open [is] around the corner.”
Cincinnati has been a special event for Djokovic. In 2018, the Serbian completed the Career Golden Masters by winning all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles at the tournament. He most recently competed in Cincinnati in 2019. So after a break, he is thrilled to return to action in Ohio.
“A lot of family time, resting and preparation for the tournaments here on American soil. It’s been two years since I was last in America. So, of course, I’m very excited and was very much looking forward to coming,” Djokovic said. “I haven’t been in Cincinnati since 2019, so nice to be back. Lots of young fans that I’ve seen the last couple of days on the practice courts, which is always great to see and people love their tennis.”
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Djokovic practised at the venue for the first time this year Saturday evening on centre court. Many fans waited to take a close look at the 38-time ATP Masters 1000 champion’s game.
“It was amazing, to be honest. I made a joke with my coach, and I asked him whether we are [at] the right court because we thought it [was] a match. He actually said he thought it was a match happening because it [was] a match court,” Djokovic said. “It’s really amazing. I’m very grateful for the presence of so many people on a practice session, which is amazing. Again, I did experience some tournaments throughout the world, similar atmospheres in terms of the great attendance on the practice courts.
“But I guess, for a while, nothing of this intensity in terms of the presence and the participation of the crowd, on the practice court. The practice points that we played today, the atmosphere was great. People were really into it. As I mentioned before, lots of young fans, which is always something I wish to see. That gives me even more inspiration to play my best tennis in the tournament.”
Djokovic will begin his Cincinnati run against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Although this will be his first match since his heartbreaking Wimbledon defeat, he is ready to move forward.
“I like the feeling that I have after 20 plus years of professional tennis. There’s still fire going,” Djokovic said. “There’s still that drive and motivation to really come at the biggest events in sport and try to win, try to win titles and try to bring some good sensation to the crowds.”